Get ready to fall head over heels with a dish so divine, it’s been dubbed “Marry Me Chicken Pasta.” This creamy and indulgent pasta dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, creating a culinary masterpiece that will have you saying “I do” to every bite.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Directions:
For the Chicken:
- Season and Sear: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
For the Sauce:
- Deglaze and Simmer: In the same skillet, add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the Pasta:
- Cook and Drain: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Assembly:
- Layer and Garnish: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and lay them over the cooked pasta. Pour the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the chicken and pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 650 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Serving and Storage Tips :
Serving Suggestions:
- Family Dinner Delight: Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta as a comforting and satisfying main course for family dinners. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Date Night Elegance: Impress your significant other with a romantic dinner featuring Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Light some candles, set the table with elegant dinnerware, and savor this indulgent dish together for a memorable evening.
- Dinner Party Favorite: Wow your guests at your next dinner party by serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta as the star attraction. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to earn you rave reviews and compliments from your friends and family.
- Meal Prep Hero: Prepare a batch of Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time for convenient meal prep. Divide leftovers into individual containers and refrigerate or freeze for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be frozen for longer storage. Place cooled pasta and sauce in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen Marry Me Chicken Pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Fresh Garnishes: If garnishing with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, add them just before serving to maintain their freshness and vibrant flavor.
Variations :
Elevate your culinary experience with these delightful variations of Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
1. Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Pasta:
- Add chopped spinach and marinated artichoke hearts to the sauce for a flavorful twist. The earthy spinach and tangy artichokes complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
2. Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta:
- Infuse the sauce with fresh lemon zest and chopped herbs such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary for a burst of brightness and flavor. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
3. Mushroom Alfredo Chicken Pasta:
- Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden brown and add them to the sauce for a rich and earthy addition. The umami flavor of mushrooms pairs perfectly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
4. Pesto Chicken Pasta:
- Substitute the sun-dried tomato sauce with homemade or store-bought basil pesto for a vibrant and herbaceous twist. Toss the cooked pasta with pesto before adding the sliced chicken and garnishing with Parmesan cheese.
5. Mediterranean Chicken Pasta:
- Incorporate ingredients such as Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese into the sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired flair. Serve with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
6. Cajun Chicken Pasta:
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning before cooking for a spicy kick. Add diced bell peppers, onions, and sliced Andouille sausage to the sauce for a Creole-inspired flavor profile.
7. Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta:
- Blend roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil into the sauce for a vibrant and summery twist. The sweet-tart flavor of tomatoes and aromatic basil create a harmonious pairing with the creamy sauce.
8. Garlic Shrimp Pasta:
- Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist on this classic dish. Sauté shrimp with minced garlic until pink and cooked through, then toss with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and pasta.
9. Bacon and Broccoli Chicken Pasta:
- Add crispy bacon pieces and blanched broccoli florets to the sauce for a hearty and satisfying variation. The smoky flavor of bacon and the crisp-tender texture of broccoli add depth to the dish.
10. Vegan Creamy Vegetable Pasta: – Replace chicken with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a vegan-friendly version. Use plant-based heavy cream and vegan Parmesan cheese for a creamy and decadent sauce.
FAQs :
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe instead of boneless chicken breasts?
- While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quicker cooking, you can certainly use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Is it necessary to use heavy cream, or can I substitute it with a lighter alternative?
- Heavy cream provides richness and creaminess to the sauce, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the sauce may be less creamy with lighter alternatives.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, such as chicken broth and seasonings, are gluten-free. Check the labels carefully to avoid any gluten-containing ingredients.
- I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead?
- While sun-dried tomatoes add a unique flavor to the dish, you can substitute them with diced fresh tomatoes. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes will release more moisture into the sauce, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
- What can I serve as a side dish with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including garlic bread, a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus. Choose your favorite side to complement the flavors of the pasta dish.
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop before serving and adjust the consistency with a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed.
With its rich flavors and elegant presentation, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to impress your taste buds and loved ones alike. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish is guaranteed to steal the show. So go ahead, say “I do” to this unforgettable culinary experience!